According to the News and Observer today, N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Doug Fox quit yesterday after he was busted for, allegedly, sending that infamous picture of watermelons in front of the White House to his homies , last November.
http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1515324.html
Most folks know that I have no love for the NC ABC in the first place. I always thought that they were a little too cozy when dealing with an alcohol industry that imports barrels of high powered malt liquor into the black community, everyday.
http://www.ncabc.com/product/
I remember back in the 90's trying to get the ABC and other agencies to even look at the amount of poison being pumped into "urban" areas was like pulling teeth from a mountain lion.
So, I'm not surprised that the head honcho of the agency would find the watermelon photo humorous.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/image/47942
It just makes you wonder, what other jokes are being kicked around high level government offices that we never hear about.
"Hey Jim Bob, you hear the one about the little darkie who drank so many 40oz's and ate so much fried chicken and watermelon that his stomach exploded...."
Paul Scott writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com He can be reached at info@nowarningshotsfired.com
Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
NWSF Bullet: Game Over?
According to news reports, NC Senator Charlie Albertson has introduced a bill to the NC General Assembly that will ban athletic programs at schools that are not up to par, academically.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4670150/
NC Senate Bill 377 aims to:
"prohibit participation in interscholastic athletic activities at schools at which a majority of the students are below the fiftieth percentile on end-of-course and end-of-grade tests for two or more consecutive years."
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S377v0.pdf
Wow, that's heavy stuff!
I gotta say that I believe that something has to be done to make kids put down the iphone and pick up a book. However, I don't think that turning the varsity football team into a band of outlaws is the answer.
Albertson seems to make the assumption that if you flatten all the basketballs at the local high school then Lil Tyrone is going to be magically transformed into a straight A student.
I hate to come off sounding like Dana Carvey's George H Bush skit from Saturday Night Live but...
"Not prudent...Not gonna happen..."
Most schools already have some sort of standards which players must meet ,so the athletic programs actually encourage children to stay on the right track.
That is not to say that for many kids, especially black children, athletic participation has not been overrated. Too many of our children see shootin' ball as a ticket out of the ghetto.
Also, some may argue that many black young men have been exploited by greedy agents and over zealous recruiters. This is especially a concern in a day when folks are trying to allow recruiters to start eye ballin' potential recruits as early as the 7th grade.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2008-10-30-ncaa-7thgraders_N.htm
However, you do not have to take away athletic activities in order to raise the academic proficiency level of NC schools. There are other ways to achieve this goal.
Bannin' B-ball will only take away one of the few outlets available to keep children off the streets.
Sen. Albertson must remember that the kid who is kicked off the football field today could be the same kid kickin' in your back door, tomorrow.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4670150/
NC Senate Bill 377 aims to:
"prohibit participation in interscholastic athletic activities at schools at which a majority of the students are below the fiftieth percentile on end-of-course and end-of-grade tests for two or more consecutive years."
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S377v0.pdf
Wow, that's heavy stuff!
I gotta say that I believe that something has to be done to make kids put down the iphone and pick up a book. However, I don't think that turning the varsity football team into a band of outlaws is the answer.
Albertson seems to make the assumption that if you flatten all the basketballs at the local high school then Lil Tyrone is going to be magically transformed into a straight A student.
I hate to come off sounding like Dana Carvey's George H Bush skit from Saturday Night Live but...
"Not prudent...Not gonna happen..."
Most schools already have some sort of standards which players must meet ,so the athletic programs actually encourage children to stay on the right track.
That is not to say that for many kids, especially black children, athletic participation has not been overrated. Too many of our children see shootin' ball as a ticket out of the ghetto.
Also, some may argue that many black young men have been exploited by greedy agents and over zealous recruiters. This is especially a concern in a day when folks are trying to allow recruiters to start eye ballin' potential recruits as early as the 7th grade.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2008-10-30-ncaa-7thgraders_N.htm
However, you do not have to take away athletic activities in order to raise the academic proficiency level of NC schools. There are other ways to achieve this goal.
Bannin' B-ball will only take away one of the few outlets available to keep children off the streets.
Sen. Albertson must remember that the kid who is kicked off the football field today could be the same kid kickin' in your back door, tomorrow.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Candy For Crackheads?
Candy for Crackheads
Paul Scott
It's no secret in North Carolina that folks in Durham have a severe case of "thug-o-phobia."
They see gang members behind every tree and under every bush. Even a friendly wave to your homie could be considered a gang sign.
So, it should be no surprise that before you enter into Northgate Mall you are greeted with an anti-gang sign posted on the door.
No gang signs. No bandannas. No doo rags...
Yeah we get it already!
Not to mention they have a curfew, whereby, kids under 16 have to leave the mall by 6PM on the weekends unless accompanied by an adult.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/105715/
So, I'm in one of the spots where the kids hang out, the FYE cd store, looking for some discount old school Hip Hop when the nightly alarm comes blastin' through the mall intercom system warning every person under 16 to head for the nearest exit or they are going to send in the SWAT team, or somethin'.
Now, I look nowhere near 16 but since I have on my official "No Warning Shots Fired" gear, I grab my Biz Markie CD and head to the checkout so there will be no mistakes.
As I'm standing there, I see a box that says "Crackheads Candy," with the catchy subtitle "We're all addicted to something."
Needless to say, I'm intrigued.
Upon further inspection, I notice that it is a box of chocolate covered coffee beans. I suppose if you eat enough of them, you start acting like a crackhead. According to the company's website a box of Crackheads has as much caffeine as six cups of coffee, 7.5 cans of Red Bull and 11 cans of Mountain Dew.
http://www.crackheadscandy.com/candy-info/
I feel like jumping up on the counter and yellin' :
"Am I the only person in this store that sees something terribly wrong with this?"
"You mean I can't wear a red or blue baseball cap but I can get some crack head candy to go with my Lil Wayne cd?"
But instead I head to the nearest exit before some taser happy security cop mistakes me for a 9th grader.
Apparently, the candy just recently became available in the Bull City but was given the thumbs down on CNBC's, "The Big Idea" a while back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1GshalNr4
The product is put out by some dude named John Osmanski, a former biomedical engineering student.
Apparently, the boy genius thinks that the definition of a a crack head is "a comedic term meaning someone was acting goofy, crazy, and/or odd."
Wrong Einstein. That might be what it means in the 'burbs of Milwaukee but in Durham a crackhead is someone who is addicted to a substance that has destroyed communities nationwide since the 80's.
I can't be the only one who has seen this stuff. Where is the outrage?
Do you really want your children going to school wired off of crack head candy?
If Young Jeezy would have put this junk out he'd be still spinnin' around Bill O'Reilly's "No Spin Zone" as we speak!
Do we give Osmanki a ghetto pass because he's a clean cut lookin' college kid and not a thugged out brotha from tha hood?
Osamaki's website says that he already has some crack candy dispensers coming to a convenience store near you. I guess he can cut out the street level dealers that way.
I can't wait to see his commercial. I guess he's gonna have Willie Wonka dealin' crack to the Umpa Lumpa kids.
Crack is nothing to joke about nor is it something to build a candy empire around. Too many people have had their lives destroyed because of "the rock."
To borrow from the immortal words of pop diva, Whitney Houston..
"Crack is wack!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytJpZguSy2U
Paul Scott, the Hip Hop TRUTH Minista" writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/ He can be reached at (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
Paul Scott
It's no secret in North Carolina that folks in Durham have a severe case of "thug-o-phobia."
They see gang members behind every tree and under every bush. Even a friendly wave to your homie could be considered a gang sign.
So, it should be no surprise that before you enter into Northgate Mall you are greeted with an anti-gang sign posted on the door.
No gang signs. No bandannas. No doo rags...
Yeah we get it already!
Not to mention they have a curfew, whereby, kids under 16 have to leave the mall by 6PM on the weekends unless accompanied by an adult.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/105715/
So, I'm in one of the spots where the kids hang out, the FYE cd store, looking for some discount old school Hip Hop when the nightly alarm comes blastin' through the mall intercom system warning every person under 16 to head for the nearest exit or they are going to send in the SWAT team, or somethin'.
Now, I look nowhere near 16 but since I have on my official "No Warning Shots Fired" gear, I grab my Biz Markie CD and head to the checkout so there will be no mistakes.
As I'm standing there, I see a box that says "Crackheads Candy," with the catchy subtitle "We're all addicted to something."
Needless to say, I'm intrigued.
Upon further inspection, I notice that it is a box of chocolate covered coffee beans. I suppose if you eat enough of them, you start acting like a crackhead. According to the company's website a box of Crackheads has as much caffeine as six cups of coffee, 7.5 cans of Red Bull and 11 cans of Mountain Dew.
http://www.crackheadscandy.com/candy-info/
I feel like jumping up on the counter and yellin' :
"Am I the only person in this store that sees something terribly wrong with this?"
"You mean I can't wear a red or blue baseball cap but I can get some crack head candy to go with my Lil Wayne cd?"
But instead I head to the nearest exit before some taser happy security cop mistakes me for a 9th grader.
Apparently, the candy just recently became available in the Bull City but was given the thumbs down on CNBC's, "The Big Idea" a while back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1GshalNr4
The product is put out by some dude named John Osmanski, a former biomedical engineering student.
Apparently, the boy genius thinks that the definition of a a crack head is "a comedic term meaning someone was acting goofy, crazy, and/or odd."
Wrong Einstein. That might be what it means in the 'burbs of Milwaukee but in Durham a crackhead is someone who is addicted to a substance that has destroyed communities nationwide since the 80's.
I can't be the only one who has seen this stuff. Where is the outrage?
Do you really want your children going to school wired off of crack head candy?
If Young Jeezy would have put this junk out he'd be still spinnin' around Bill O'Reilly's "No Spin Zone" as we speak!
Do we give Osmanki a ghetto pass because he's a clean cut lookin' college kid and not a thugged out brotha from tha hood?
Osamaki's website says that he already has some crack candy dispensers coming to a convenience store near you. I guess he can cut out the street level dealers that way.
I can't wait to see his commercial. I guess he's gonna have Willie Wonka dealin' crack to the Umpa Lumpa kids.
Crack is nothing to joke about nor is it something to build a candy empire around. Too many people have had their lives destroyed because of "the rock."
To borrow from the immortal words of pop diva, Whitney Houston..
"Crack is wack!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytJpZguSy2U
Paul Scott, the Hip Hop TRUTH Minista" writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/ He can be reached at (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
NWSF Bullet: Blame it on the Movie?
According to news reports out of Greensboro, there was a shooting at the premier of "Notorious," the Biggie Smalls story, last night. Both Fox 8 and the Greensboro News and Record are reporting that the star of the movie Jamal Woolard was at the theatre, The Grand 18 Four Seasons Station cinemas , when the shooting occurred.
http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=8267900&version=1&locale=EN-US
The News and Record is, also, reporting that the theater has suspended showing the movie.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/01/17/article/shooting_erupts_at_notorious_movie
Now let me say from the jump, I still think that the Notorious BIG was overrated in the big scheme of things and that life many times does imitate art.
However....
It never ceases to amaze me how those rich white movie executives pump billions of dollars into pushing movies and music that promote black on black violence 24 hours a day and then folks act surprised when the chickens come home to roost?
Also, there is always a fear that anytime black folks gather for anything (especially when music is bumpin') that there is gonna be trouble.
This paranoia has nothing to do with "Notorious" because this perception goes all the way back to the days of Krush Grove.
These aren't black folks who ultimately determine what images are given to the masses. These are old white men sitting in a board room somewhere. And they are more than happy to sacrifice the lives of a few rappers or movie goers if that means that they can make a few million bucks.
So before we blame "tha hood" we need to point the finger at Hollywood.
http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=8267900&version=1&locale=EN-US
The News and Record is, also, reporting that the theater has suspended showing the movie.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/01/17/article/shooting_erupts_at_notorious_movie
Now let me say from the jump, I still think that the Notorious BIG was overrated in the big scheme of things and that life many times does imitate art.
However....
It never ceases to amaze me how those rich white movie executives pump billions of dollars into pushing movies and music that promote black on black violence 24 hours a day and then folks act surprised when the chickens come home to roost?
Also, there is always a fear that anytime black folks gather for anything (especially when music is bumpin') that there is gonna be trouble.
This paranoia has nothing to do with "Notorious" because this perception goes all the way back to the days of Krush Grove.
These aren't black folks who ultimately determine what images are given to the masses. These are old white men sitting in a board room somewhere. And they are more than happy to sacrifice the lives of a few rappers or movie goers if that means that they can make a few million bucks.
So before we blame "tha hood" we need to point the finger at Hollywood.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Has Kwanzaa Sold Out ?
Has Kwanzaa Sold Out ?
Paul Scott
On that old school Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon, there is a scene where Charlie is complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. If the token black kid, "Franklin" had more of a speaking role, he probably would have made the same point about Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa, the African (American) festival that starts December 26 used to be strictly a holiday for black folks to get themselves reconnected to African based principles. The festival, which was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, has in recent years gone the way of Jazz, Rock and Roll and everything else that black folks have created and started to crossover, ie sellout.
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
Let me say from the jump. I like my Kwanzaa like I like my coffee; black!
Some things should be sacred. As a matter of full disclosure, I remember, I wasn't too happy when they integrated Soul Train, either. The music just wasn't as funky anymore.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with cultures admiring other cultures. But when white folks start "feeling" black culture, well, it starts losing its blackness. This is especially problematic when they start dictating the terms of black celebrations.
I don't see too many Irish people letting black folks tell them how to run St. Patrick's Day.
This is what is happening to Kwanzaa. It has gone from a time of black empowerment ,where issues affecting African people were discussed to a perpetual session of "Kwanzaa for Dummies."
Most times, the festival events are stuck in Kwanzaa 101 mode and are geared towards the handful of white folks in the audience and the bougie black folks who just discovered that they were black, yesterday. So, the moderator of the program never gets to the point of discussing the practical applications of the Kwanzaa principles (Nguza Saba.) but concentrates on teaching the new target audience how to pronounce Kujichagulia.
"Now, for the 100th time say it with me, koo- gee- cha- gu -lia"
Also, many people who put on these Kwanzaa programs have an innate fear of offending white folks, so many times the speakers are chosen from the "Safe Negro Temp Agency." Therefore, most Kwanzaa discussions rarely deal with anything deeper than explaining the meaning behind the Kwanzaa candles.
How many times have you heard a Kwanzaa speaker start his presentation with the obligatory, "Kwanzaa is not just for black people but for all people" and you said to yourself "what kind of Umoja Juice has he been sippin' on ?"
The reason why black folks allow our culture to be misdirected is simple.
Money, Cheddar, lucci (I'm not sure how to say it in Swahili)
I just can't see Denny's sponsoring a real, in depth workshop on African Ujamaa (collective economics.)
Every year, we are forced to chose between having a small event in the back of a black bookstore or having a "great extravaganza" at some large convention facility. We have to chose between an event where a few black folks scrape together a few dollars for an African pot lock dinner and presentations by a few local activist speakers or a corporate sponsored mega event where even the African drummers go home with a fat paycheck.
Fortunately, there are folks who have championed the cause for Kwanzaa purity like the S.T.E.P. organization in New Jersey.
http://www.steptothefuture.org/
The O'Jays once sang "Christmas just ain't Christmas and New Years just ain't New Years..."
Until we get our "Kujichagulia" act together, Kwanzaa just ain't Kwanzaa either.
TRUTH Minista Paul Scott writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/
He can be reached at info@nowarningshotsfired.com (919) 451-8283
Paul Scott
On that old school Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon, there is a scene where Charlie is complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. If the token black kid, "Franklin" had more of a speaking role, he probably would have made the same point about Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa, the African (American) festival that starts December 26 used to be strictly a holiday for black folks to get themselves reconnected to African based principles. The festival, which was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, has in recent years gone the way of Jazz, Rock and Roll and everything else that black folks have created and started to crossover, ie sellout.
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
Let me say from the jump. I like my Kwanzaa like I like my coffee; black!
Some things should be sacred. As a matter of full disclosure, I remember, I wasn't too happy when they integrated Soul Train, either. The music just wasn't as funky anymore.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with cultures admiring other cultures. But when white folks start "feeling" black culture, well, it starts losing its blackness. This is especially problematic when they start dictating the terms of black celebrations.
I don't see too many Irish people letting black folks tell them how to run St. Patrick's Day.
This is what is happening to Kwanzaa. It has gone from a time of black empowerment ,where issues affecting African people were discussed to a perpetual session of "Kwanzaa for Dummies."
Most times, the festival events are stuck in Kwanzaa 101 mode and are geared towards the handful of white folks in the audience and the bougie black folks who just discovered that they were black, yesterday. So, the moderator of the program never gets to the point of discussing the practical applications of the Kwanzaa principles (Nguza Saba.) but concentrates on teaching the new target audience how to pronounce Kujichagulia.
"Now, for the 100th time say it with me, koo- gee- cha- gu -lia"
Also, many people who put on these Kwanzaa programs have an innate fear of offending white folks, so many times the speakers are chosen from the "Safe Negro Temp Agency." Therefore, most Kwanzaa discussions rarely deal with anything deeper than explaining the meaning behind the Kwanzaa candles.
How many times have you heard a Kwanzaa speaker start his presentation with the obligatory, "Kwanzaa is not just for black people but for all people" and you said to yourself "what kind of Umoja Juice has he been sippin' on ?"
The reason why black folks allow our culture to be misdirected is simple.
Money, Cheddar, lucci (I'm not sure how to say it in Swahili)
I just can't see Denny's sponsoring a real, in depth workshop on African Ujamaa (collective economics.)
Every year, we are forced to chose between having a small event in the back of a black bookstore or having a "great extravaganza" at some large convention facility. We have to chose between an event where a few black folks scrape together a few dollars for an African pot lock dinner and presentations by a few local activist speakers or a corporate sponsored mega event where even the African drummers go home with a fat paycheck.
Fortunately, there are folks who have championed the cause for Kwanzaa purity like the S.T.E.P. organization in New Jersey.
http://www.steptothefuture.org/
The O'Jays once sang "Christmas just ain't Christmas and New Years just ain't New Years..."
Until we get our "Kujichagulia" act together, Kwanzaa just ain't Kwanzaa either.
TRUTH Minista Paul Scott writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/
He can be reached at info@nowarningshotsfired.com (919) 451-8283
Saturday, December 20, 2008
NWSF Bullet: Profiling Possibility or Paranoia ?
I got "the TRUTH Mobile" inspected today and was driving off the dealership lot when I noticed that some knucklehead, who was probably in a hurry to go Christmas shopping, forgot to put my inspection decal back on the windshield.
I did a Dukes of Hazzard U-turn in the middle in the street and made a beeline to the service attendant.
"Yo, dude. Ya'll forgot my sticker," I said thinking about the extra minutes I would have to waste on a Saturday morning.
The attendant informed me that as of Nov.1, NC doesn't require inspection decals, anymore.
"So, instead of forkin' over the 30 dollars I just paid, I could have just yanked my old sticker off?"
Nope. All your inspection info is now in a data base tied to your license plate.
The repair dude had to spend 15 minutes convincing me that he was not just covering up for an absent minded coworker.
Finally, he gave me a copy of the new regulation and told me to keep it in my glove compartment. (Just in case.)
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/emissioninspection/nomoresticker/
My last question was, "Do the police know about this sudden change in regulation?"
He said that they "should" and I thanked him and drove off, slowly. Very, very slowly.
Most people will consider this real convenient. But for a black male, the implications are frightening. I mean, contrary to popular belief, racial profiling is still an issue.
Now, "5-0," will be running my license plates for no apparent reason, every time I venture into the section of town with the manicured lawns and the white picket fences. So much for probable cause.
I can see it now.
I'm rollin' down Country Club Road late one night and get pulled over by the cops.
"What seems to be the problem officer?"
"First, we noticed that you didn't have an inspection sticker and when we ran your tags...."
I rode home thinking about the "freed slaves" who had to carry around "freedom papers" back in the 1800's. Black folks have always had to have our paperwork in order.
Maybe, all those black history books that I read have made me paranoid.
But then I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a police cruiser had been tailing me for the last couple of blocks...
I did a Dukes of Hazzard U-turn in the middle in the street and made a beeline to the service attendant.
"Yo, dude. Ya'll forgot my sticker," I said thinking about the extra minutes I would have to waste on a Saturday morning.
The attendant informed me that as of Nov.1, NC doesn't require inspection decals, anymore.
"So, instead of forkin' over the 30 dollars I just paid, I could have just yanked my old sticker off?"
Nope. All your inspection info is now in a data base tied to your license plate.
The repair dude had to spend 15 minutes convincing me that he was not just covering up for an absent minded coworker.
Finally, he gave me a copy of the new regulation and told me to keep it in my glove compartment. (Just in case.)
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/emissioninspection/nomoresticker/
My last question was, "Do the police know about this sudden change in regulation?"
He said that they "should" and I thanked him and drove off, slowly. Very, very slowly.
Most people will consider this real convenient. But for a black male, the implications are frightening. I mean, contrary to popular belief, racial profiling is still an issue.
Now, "5-0," will be running my license plates for no apparent reason, every time I venture into the section of town with the manicured lawns and the white picket fences. So much for probable cause.
I can see it now.
I'm rollin' down Country Club Road late one night and get pulled over by the cops.
"What seems to be the problem officer?"
"First, we noticed that you didn't have an inspection sticker and when we ran your tags...."
I rode home thinking about the "freed slaves" who had to carry around "freedom papers" back in the 1800's. Black folks have always had to have our paperwork in order.
Maybe, all those black history books that I read have made me paranoid.
But then I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a police cruiser had been tailing me for the last couple of blocks...
Saturday, May 31, 2008
News and Observer Letter to the Editor 5/31
Dear Editor, ]
As a community activist who often deals with Durhamyouth, I am concerned about the pending Street Gang Suppression Bill that is scheduled to go before the NC House of Representatives. Although, there have been incidents of youth crime in the state, this issue hasbeen blown out of proportion by politicians.
Frankly, I think that many politicians have watched old gangsta movies like Boys in the Hood, too many times. The main failure of the bill is that it fails to clearly define what constitutes being in a gang. This lack of clarity leaves the possibility of "Hip Hop"profiling wide open. Since the typical Hollywood portrayal of a "gang" member is a young black male,the proposed law will, disproportionately, effect the black community.
This is especially troubling for a community not too far removed from Jim Crow Laws that made it illegal for black people to gather on street corners. The community must not cave into a bill that is based more on fear than reality.
To borrow from an old song by Buffalo Springfield"paranoia runs deep, into your life it will creep.
As a community activist who often deals with Durhamyouth, I am concerned about the pending Street Gang Suppression Bill that is scheduled to go before the NC House of Representatives. Although, there have been incidents of youth crime in the state, this issue hasbeen blown out of proportion by politicians.
Frankly, I think that many politicians have watched old gangsta movies like Boys in the Hood, too many times. The main failure of the bill is that it fails to clearly define what constitutes being in a gang. This lack of clarity leaves the possibility of "Hip Hop"profiling wide open. Since the typical Hollywood portrayal of a "gang" member is a young black male,the proposed law will, disproportionately, effect the black community.
This is especially troubling for a community not too far removed from Jim Crow Laws that made it illegal for black people to gather on street corners. The community must not cave into a bill that is based more on fear than reality.
To borrow from an old song by Buffalo Springfield"paranoia runs deep, into your life it will creep.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
When Mayberry Goes Gangsta
When Mayberry Goes Gangsta:
Justice Southern Style
Min. Paul Scott
Don't trust your soul to no back street southern lawyer
Cause the judge in town's got blood stains on his hands
The Night that the Lights Went Out in Georgia-Viki Lawrence
Summer time in Mayberry. Usually you can find Sherif Andy and Deputy Barney unarmed in the jailhouse playin' cards and just chillin'. Meanwhile, Aunt B and Opie sit on the front porch sippin' home made lemonade. But that was before "they" rode into town. Now Andy and Barney wear bulletproof vests. Aunt B carries a 45 in her Sunday purse, locked and loaded. And Opie is now "O dog" Main St assassin...
When most folks think of North Carolina, they think of apple pie, warm summer nights and college basketball. But like most places, the Ole North State has its share of crime. Some folks will warn you that if you see a kid dressed from head to toe in Carolina blue, he probably doesn't play for the UNC Tarheels. Especially in my city, Durham, as for the past few years the so called gang problem has received national attention thanks to the media and documentaries.
Durham hasn't always had the reputation of being the New Jack City of the South. But a few years back the local media began to do cover stories with gangsta's throwin' up gang signs and well, the kids that weren't quite smart enough to get on the A honor roll or couldn't catch a pass for a hundred yards every Friday night found that one way to get noticed was to go to the Dollar store and get a bandana, white T shirt and mimic BET videos.
To add to that, as in many cities, there is also the practice of gentrification. For those not hip to the term. When you find a poor neighborhood, label it run down, drive the people out, sell property dirt cheap and then rebuild the area...That's gentrification.
What you have a self fulfilling prophecy..Tell the people they live in a "gang infested" area long enough and well...You know the rest.
So how do my southern friends and neighbors deal with the plague of gang violence?
Like folks in any other town below the Mason Dixon when they feel that their traditional way of life is threatened...
They panic.
For the past few years, some NC politicians have been trying to pass tougher legislation to deal with gang violence. In 2003, to capitalize off of post 9/11 paranoia they tried to pass a Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act but since public anxiety had begun to die down, it didn't work. In 2007, they are trying to sneak it under the public radar in the form of the Street Gang Prevention Act courtesy of House Bill 274 and Senate Bill 1358.
But the obvious question is, if it is such a darn good idea, then why hasn't it become law, yet?
Now, I like to take an afternoon walk to the mailbox without worrying about becoming the victim of a drive by as much as the next guy but using draconian methods to deter crime just doesn’t strike me right.
The main controversies surrounding the bills are how do you determine who is in a gang and is being in a gang illegal?
The intro to House Bill 274 says that:
"The General Assembly, however, further finds that the State of North Carolina is in a state of crisis that has been caused by violent street gangs whose members threaten, terrorize, and commit a multitude of crimes against the peaceful citizens of their neighborhoods. These activities, both individually and collectively, present a clear and present danger to public order and safety and are not constitutionally protected "
******Note to Gang members "clear and present danger" is the ultimate diss because once you get that label on you. You have no rights and mama can’t save you*******
According to the bill a "criminal street gang" is defined as:
"any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which engages in a pattern of criminal gang activity as defined in subdivision (2) of this section. The existence of the organization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics"
Translation: Anyone who dresses like the rapper lil Wayne.
I think that it is safe to say that most middle class white folks don't know how it feels to be stereotyped. I still have a not so fond memory of while attending a summer high school honors program, standing at a bus stop dressed in my freshest 1984 Hip Hop gear only to have a Winston Salem bus driver decide that his half full vehicle suddenly ran out of room and slam the door in my face.
Also according to the bill "criminal street gang activity" is a:
"Pattern of criminal gang activity" means the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation, coercion, or intimidation of another person to commit at least two of " a whole bunch of offences. "
I'm not quite sure how you enforce "attempt and conspiracy to commit a crime."
Maybe I should turn myself in now for that cup of coffee I was thinking about swiping from the counter at EZ Mart last week.
Lastly, the bill calls for the heavy prosecution of 12 year olds. I've met some rotten little brats in my day but I wouldn't really consider a 6th grader another Al Capone.
The companion bill Senate Bill 1358 is only slightly more politically correct.
Yes Virginia, there are real gangs in the Bull City and it is not a utopia. But Durham ain't Compton either with its generations of gangsterism. This isn’t an overly crowded city and the same kid who is P-Rock on Saturday night is Lil Pookie who sings in the youth choir on Sunday morning.
In other words..It aint' that deep.
We have not reached the point yet when we should consider performing social retro abortions on twelve year old kids.
Already they are developing projected budgets based on the new residents that will be headed to Hotel Hoodlum. The prison industry is big business and who am I to knock the hustle. So if your no good, lazy cousin in Alabama is looking for a good paying job, he might want to hop the next Greyhound to North Carolina.
The bottom line is in 2007, we should be able to come together and think of more innovative solutions to saving our children than the usual lock em up and throw away the key.
And that ain't just whistlin' Dixie...
Min. Paul Scott is a writer and activist based in Durham NC. His blog is http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com
For reach him contact (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
Justice Southern Style
Min. Paul Scott
Don't trust your soul to no back street southern lawyer
Cause the judge in town's got blood stains on his hands
The Night that the Lights Went Out in Georgia-Viki Lawrence
Summer time in Mayberry. Usually you can find Sherif Andy and Deputy Barney unarmed in the jailhouse playin' cards and just chillin'. Meanwhile, Aunt B and Opie sit on the front porch sippin' home made lemonade. But that was before "they" rode into town. Now Andy and Barney wear bulletproof vests. Aunt B carries a 45 in her Sunday purse, locked and loaded. And Opie is now "O dog" Main St assassin...
When most folks think of North Carolina, they think of apple pie, warm summer nights and college basketball. But like most places, the Ole North State has its share of crime. Some folks will warn you that if you see a kid dressed from head to toe in Carolina blue, he probably doesn't play for the UNC Tarheels. Especially in my city, Durham, as for the past few years the so called gang problem has received national attention thanks to the media and documentaries.
Durham hasn't always had the reputation of being the New Jack City of the South. But a few years back the local media began to do cover stories with gangsta's throwin' up gang signs and well, the kids that weren't quite smart enough to get on the A honor roll or couldn't catch a pass for a hundred yards every Friday night found that one way to get noticed was to go to the Dollar store and get a bandana, white T shirt and mimic BET videos.
To add to that, as in many cities, there is also the practice of gentrification. For those not hip to the term. When you find a poor neighborhood, label it run down, drive the people out, sell property dirt cheap and then rebuild the area...That's gentrification.
What you have a self fulfilling prophecy..Tell the people they live in a "gang infested" area long enough and well...You know the rest.
So how do my southern friends and neighbors deal with the plague of gang violence?
Like folks in any other town below the Mason Dixon when they feel that their traditional way of life is threatened...
They panic.
For the past few years, some NC politicians have been trying to pass tougher legislation to deal with gang violence. In 2003, to capitalize off of post 9/11 paranoia they tried to pass a Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act but since public anxiety had begun to die down, it didn't work. In 2007, they are trying to sneak it under the public radar in the form of the Street Gang Prevention Act courtesy of House Bill 274 and Senate Bill 1358.
But the obvious question is, if it is such a darn good idea, then why hasn't it become law, yet?
Now, I like to take an afternoon walk to the mailbox without worrying about becoming the victim of a drive by as much as the next guy but using draconian methods to deter crime just doesn’t strike me right.
The main controversies surrounding the bills are how do you determine who is in a gang and is being in a gang illegal?
The intro to House Bill 274 says that:
"The General Assembly, however, further finds that the State of North Carolina is in a state of crisis that has been caused by violent street gangs whose members threaten, terrorize, and commit a multitude of crimes against the peaceful citizens of their neighborhoods. These activities, both individually and collectively, present a clear and present danger to public order and safety and are not constitutionally protected "
******Note to Gang members "clear and present danger" is the ultimate diss because once you get that label on you. You have no rights and mama can’t save you*******
According to the bill a "criminal street gang" is defined as:
"any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which engages in a pattern of criminal gang activity as defined in subdivision (2) of this section. The existence of the organization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics"
Translation: Anyone who dresses like the rapper lil Wayne.
I think that it is safe to say that most middle class white folks don't know how it feels to be stereotyped. I still have a not so fond memory of while attending a summer high school honors program, standing at a bus stop dressed in my freshest 1984 Hip Hop gear only to have a Winston Salem bus driver decide that his half full vehicle suddenly ran out of room and slam the door in my face.
Also according to the bill "criminal street gang activity" is a:
"Pattern of criminal gang activity" means the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation, coercion, or intimidation of another person to commit at least two of " a whole bunch of offences. "
I'm not quite sure how you enforce "attempt and conspiracy to commit a crime."
Maybe I should turn myself in now for that cup of coffee I was thinking about swiping from the counter at EZ Mart last week.
Lastly, the bill calls for the heavy prosecution of 12 year olds. I've met some rotten little brats in my day but I wouldn't really consider a 6th grader another Al Capone.
The companion bill Senate Bill 1358 is only slightly more politically correct.
Yes Virginia, there are real gangs in the Bull City and it is not a utopia. But Durham ain't Compton either with its generations of gangsterism. This isn’t an overly crowded city and the same kid who is P-Rock on Saturday night is Lil Pookie who sings in the youth choir on Sunday morning.
In other words..It aint' that deep.
We have not reached the point yet when we should consider performing social retro abortions on twelve year old kids.
Already they are developing projected budgets based on the new residents that will be headed to Hotel Hoodlum. The prison industry is big business and who am I to knock the hustle. So if your no good, lazy cousin in Alabama is looking for a good paying job, he might want to hop the next Greyhound to North Carolina.
The bottom line is in 2007, we should be able to come together and think of more innovative solutions to saving our children than the usual lock em up and throw away the key.
And that ain't just whistlin' Dixie...
Min. Paul Scott is a writer and activist based in Durham NC. His blog is http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com
For reach him contact (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
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